The Red Sox are officially the 3 seed in the American League for the 2016 playoffs. And a large part of that is because of David Ortiz. The 40-year old designate hitter just had the greatest final season of anybody in MLB history. He put up numbers so good, he deserves recognition for the 2016 AL MVP.

Ortiz rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run, one of his 38 homers on the season.
Photo Courtesy of Adam Glanzman/Getty Images

This season Ortiz has hit an astonishing .315/.401/.620 with 38 home runs and 127 RBIs. The 127 RBIs were tied for the most in the American League with Blue Jays slugger Edwin Encarnacion. Ortiz's 1.021 OPS was the fourth best of his career and ranked best in the whole MLB. The home runs and RBI total were the most he's hit since 2006, when he was 30 years old.

Ortiz has enjoyed one of the greatest final season ever.
Photo Courtesy of usatoday.com

With numbers like that, one can argue this was the best final season ever. Big Papi now holds the record for most home runs, RBIs, double and extra-base hits in a final season.

When the Red Sox needed a big hit this season, Ortiz was there to provide it. His leadership role in a clubhouse full of young talent also must not be overlooked. He is the biggest reason the Red Sox are in the position they are in and if they will have any success in the playoffs.

The 2016 season by a 40-year old by David Ortiz will be one for the books. Hopefully it ends with an AL MVP award and maybe even a fourth World Series title.